'There are people against football' - Mexico's Santiago Giménez slams referee after disallowed goal in El Tri's 0-0 draw with Costa Rica

Mexico striker Santiago Giménez voiced his frustration following a controversial VAR decision that denied him a stunning last-minute winner in El Tri’s 0-0 draw against Costa Rica - their final group-stage match at the 2025 Gold Cup.

“I wasn’t sure if the offside was on Quiñones or me - they said it was on me,” the AC Milan forward said. “But it wasn’t a touch, it was a deflection. I saw the replay. These are the kinds of things that happen in football. If I were the ref and saw a goal like that, I’d let it stand. But there are people who are just against football.”

Despite the frustration, Giménez acknowledged the team’s progress.

“I really wanted that goal and the three points,” he added. “Still, it’s a draw that feels like a win because we topped the group. Now it’s time to move forward—every match is a new story, and we’re focused on defending the Gold Cup title.”

Despite scoring in Mexico’s pre-Gold Cup friendly against Switzerland - ending an almost two-year scoring drought - Giménez hadn’t netted in an official match since the 2023 Gold Cup final.

On Sunday night, he seemed to finally break that spell in stoppage time, launching a stunning overhead kick in the 94th minute after a free kick from Luis Chávez deflected off Orlando Galo. The ball landed perfectly for Giménez, who fired it past Keylor Navas. However, the goal was ultimately disallowed after the referee reviewed the play on VAR and ruled him offside.

Gimenez remains content with Mexico's showing in the group stage following their 0-0 draw.

“The main goal was to finish top of the group," he said. "We need to sharpen both our starters and our substitutes. We’re a family, and we’re committed. In games like this, you need to find a way to win. But a draw works for us.”

Mexico now prepare for the Gold Cup quarterfinals, where they will face Saudi Arabia next Saturday in Glendale, Arizona.